Newton Stewart man commended by the Met

A FORMER Newton Stewart man recently received a commendation for “outstanding detective ability” from The Metropolitan Police in London after catching two dangerous criminals in the capital.

Forty-four-year old DC Colin Hunter was presented with his award from Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick at a ceremony at New Scotland Yard for his work with Trident, a London wide police initiative set up to deal with gun crime.

Colin’s excellent detective work helped bring the two criminals to justice after they terrorised a woman in New Cross during 2007 by firing shots into her home.

After a trial, one was jailed for 14 heard for two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and a third count of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was also sentenced to a total of 21 years, to run concurrently, for threats to kill, possession of a firearm, attempting to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

A second man was sentenced to three years for possession of a firearm.

At the conclusion of the trial DC Hunter said: “The willingness of these two young men to use guns to bully and intimidate others is shocking, and it was only good fortune that no one was seriously hurt by their actions.

“I am pleased with the result, which demonstrates Trident’s ongoing commitment to pursue and lock up those who use weapons on our streets.”

The Met Police Assistant Commissioners Commendation praised DC Hunter for “outstanding detective ability, perseverance and dedication in the investigation, support of witnesses and conviction of two dangerous criminals”.

He also received a commendation from the Trial Judge, Her Honour Judge KARU, at the conclusion of the trial.

Colin’s mum Elma, who lives in Newton Stewart, said: “I am so proud of him. He has done so well.”

Colin joined the Met 21 years ago, leaving for the big city on a bus from Dashwood Square. He was educated at The Douglas Ewart High School and played football for Newton Stewart and Wigtown and Bladnoch.